NEW YORK: New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not responsible on Friday (Sep 27) to federal charges of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish nationals, because the Democrat resists mounting calls from inside his personal social gathering to resign.
Adams, 64, entered the plea earlier than US Justice of the Peace Decide Katharine Parker at his first look within the case in Manhattan federal court docket. He wore a darkish blue swimsuit with a purple dotted tie and stared straight forward as Parker defined the 5 felony counts he faces, together with bribery and wire fraud.
“I’m not responsible, your honour,” Adams mentioned when Parker requested for his plea.
His lawyer, Alex Spiro, mentioned he would file a movement to dismiss the costs subsequent week. Adams is subsequent due in court docket on Oct 2.
The mayor was launched with out having to put up any bail on the situation that he doesn’t have contact with witnesses or folks named within the indictment. Parker mentioned there can be exceptions for workers and relations, as long as he doesn’t talk about the small print of the indictment with them.
Within the indictment unsealed on Thursday, federal prosecutors mentioned Turkish diplomats and businesspeople illegally funnelled cash to Adams’ marketing campaign and showered him with luxurious journey perks, together with business-class airplane tickets, opulent resort stays and meals at high-end eating places.
In trade, Adams in 2021 pressured metropolis officers to permit Türkiye’s new 36-story consulate to open regardless of security considerations, based on prosecutors.
A Turkish international ministry spokesperson mentioned on Friday that Ankara was following the proceedings in Adams’ case intently and that its diplomats adhered to protocol.
“Our diplomatic missions perform their duties in conformity with the Vienna Conventions and diplomatic traditions,” the spokesperson mentioned. “It’s out of the query for us to intrude within the inside affairs of any nation.”
After the listening to, Spiro advised reporters the accusations rested on the assertions of an Adams staffer who falsely implicated Adams. He minimized the severity of the costs and mentioned he anticipated them to be dismissed.
“This is not even an actual case. That is the airline improve corruption case,” Spiro mentioned.
